Governor Gavin Newsom’s bid to out-gerrymander Texas won’t affect Santa Clara County as much as other parts of the state – and some Silicon Valley leaders are swallowing their distaste while towing the line.
As ballots are out and vote centers are open, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Congressman Sam Liccardo have both voiced reluctant support for Proposition 50, the Nov. 4 ballot measure that would redraw the boundaries of California’s House districts in favor of Democrats. Newsom has championed the measure as a response to Texas’ state map to turn five seats for Republicans before the 2026 midterm election.
Prop. 50 would not change the total number of House districts in California. It would redraw their existing boundaries in an effort to flip five seats Democratic. In Santa Clara County the changes would be minimal. But it would noticeably grow the boundaries of Congressional District 18 – represented by Zoe Lofgren – to the east…